Question reference: S5W-32364
- Asked by: James Dornan, MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 7 October 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Kevin Stewart on 8 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its Programme for Government commitment to publish jointly with COSLA an updated Ending Homelessness Together action plan.
Answer
There has been an extraordinary response to ensure people experiencing homelessness, particularly those sleeping rough, were safe and supported during the pandemic.
In June I reconvened the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group (HARSAG) - chaired by Jon Sparkes, CEO of Crisis - to provided us with a comprehensive set of recommendations on tackling homelessness during the pandemic and longer term.
These new recommendations, alongside our existing plans for tackling homelessness, has led to an updated Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan - published 8 October.
In this updated plan, we also set out proposals to modify the night shelter provision this winter and our ambition to end their use altogether.
To support this transition, we are establishing rapid rehousing welcome centres to provide an under-one-roof service to people experiencing the most acute forms of homelessness, focused on supporting people into settled homes with the support they need.
The updated Action Plan commits to strengthening the voices of those who have experienced homelessness in the policy-making process, advancing legislative protections for people experiencing domestic abuse and exploring alternative routes to reduce migrant homelessness.
The Homelessness Prevention and Strategy Group (HPSG), which I co-chair alongside Cllr Whitham, COSLA community wellbeing spokesperson, will continue to oversee the delivery of the updated action plan.
The updated Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan can be accessed here .